UK Music Fans Cut Back on Festival Attendance

A new survey reveals that a substantial portion of UK music fans are purchasing fewer festival tickets amid rising costs. 44% of music fans are buying fewer festival tickets, survey finds. The survey also found that 49% of respondents refused to pay over £200 for a festival ticket. The survey, conducted by Pirate Studios, follows recent reports that 60 UK festivals have either paused or canceled their 2024 events due to escalating expenses and weak ticket sales. The survey, which included 1,700 festival-goers, found that 44% of respondents have bought fewer tickets for 2024 festivals compared to previous years. Additionally, 49% of those surveyed expressed a reluctance to spend more than £200 on a festival ticket—a notable figure as many multi-day event prices now exceed £300. The survey also highlighted a shift in priorities among festival-goers. About 29% of respondents are sticking to their favorite festivals, making it challenging for new events to gain traction. Meanwhile, 20% reported actively seeking early bird or discounted tickets to make attending festivals more affordable. David Borrie, CEO of Pirate Studios, responded to the survey`s findings, stating, "There`s a strong culture among musicians and music fans to support the acts, promoters and venues they love, whether by buying tickets, merchandise or records. However, with ticket prices being what they are, the scene can`t sustain the festival circuit on its own. Government support is now essential."